1/48 Hasegawa RF-4E Phantom II `J.A.S.D.F.´ [J.A.S.D.F. Reconnaissance] 07230

The RF-4 is a multi-sensor tactical reconnaissance aircraft.

Compared to previous fighter-reconnaissance variants, it had significantly greater capacity, making it a true all-weather multi-sensor aircraft. In addition to conventional cameras, it was equipped with electronic and infrared sensors.

The RF-4E (Model 98LG) was built by taking the airframe of the F-4E (without leading-edge slats) and grafting on the nose of an RF-4C. The first production aircraft made its maiden flight on September 15, 1970. All 150 units produced were for export to Western nations, including West Germany, Japan, Israel, Iran, Turkey, and Greece.

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) ordered 14 of these aircraft in April 1973 to replace its RF-86Fs. All were received by March 1975, and they were used to establish the 501st Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron at Hyakuri Air Base in Ibaraki Prefecture.

The aircraft also played an active role in disaster information gathering, such as conducting aerial photographic reconnaissance during the 2000 eruption of Mount Usu.

This kit includes decals for the 501st Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, specifically a special markings aircraft unveiled at the 1994 Air Combat Meet. The design features motifs of the four divine beasts of Chinese mythology: Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Black Tortoise, and Vermilion Bird, as well as the Qilin.